The adage “Don’t mix business with friendship” is often cited as a piece of advice when it comes to starting a business. However, when it comes to building a founding team for a startup, this adage may not always apply. In fact, many successful startups have been founded by friends who have a strong personal connection and trust in each other.
One of the main reasons why friends make great founding team members is that they already have a strong personal relationship. This means that they have already built trust and have a good understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. This can be incredibly valuable in a startup, as it means that team members will be able to work together effectively without having to spend time building trust from scratch.
Another advantage of building a founding team from friends is that they may already share similar values and goals. This can be especially important in a startup, where the team will be working together under a lot of pressure and stress. When team members share similar values and goals, they are more likely to be able to work together effectively and stay motivated throughout the ups and downs of building a startup.
Additionally, friends often have a lot in common and have shared history, which can give them a sense of camaraderie that can be hard to find in other teams. They understand each other’s personalities, communication style and how to work best with one another, which can help to foster a positive and productive working environment.
However, it is also important to note that starting a business with friends does come with its own set of challenges. For example, if the business doesn’t do well, it can put a strain on the personal relationship. It is important for the team to establish clear boundaries and roles and to have open communication to mitigate any conflicts that may arise.
In conclusion, while the adage “Don’t mix business with friendship” may hold true in some cases, it is not always applicable when it comes to building a founding team for a startup. Friends can make great team members and can bring a unique set of advantages to the table. However, it is important to be aware of the potential challenges and to have clear boundaries and open communication in order to ensure that the personal relationship and the business relationship can coexist.